Evaluation of dyspnea perception and quality of life in pulmonary hypertension patients

The study was planned as a descriptive study to determine the relationship between dyspnea perception and quality of life in Pulmonary Hypertension patients and the factors affecting it and to contribute to the literature. The population of the study consisted of 201 Pulmonary Hypertonion patients who were admitted to the Chest Diseases unit of Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Hospital between 01.01.2024-31.05.2024, who met the inclusion criteria and whose written and verbal consent was obtained. In order to collect the data of the study, the Patient Information Form was used to evaluate the sociodemographic status, and the "Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale" to evaluate the perception of dyspnea, which was conducted by face-to-face interview with the individuals who agreed to participate in the study and lasted 15-20 minutes, The "Six Minute Walking Test" (6MWT) was used to assess exercise capacity, the "Cardiovascular Limitations and Symptoms Profile (CLASP) Scale" was used to assess quality of life, and the "Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire" (SGRQ) was used to better understand the distress of your chest disease and its impact on your life. Statistical evaluation of the data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for Windows 22.0 program. As a result of the Research The mean age of participants was 58.32±15.75, and the majority were women (77.1%), housewives (63.2%), married (64.7%), and primary school graduates (51.7%). Factors such as older age, female gender, living with family, smoking history, frequent hospital admissions, treatment status, and use of respiratory devices were significantly associated with higher dyspnea levels and reduced quality of life. CLASP and SGRQ scores differed significantly according to sociodemographic and clinical variables such as age, gender, income level, education, and access to treatment. Strong positive correlations were found between mMRC dyspnea scores and the subscales of both SGRQ and CLASP, indicating that increased dyspnea is associated with greater symptom burden, physical and social limitations, and anxiety. The mean 6MWT distance was 366.18±129.13 meters. Post-exercise assessments revealed significant decreases in oxygen saturation and increases in pulse and blood pressure. These findings suggest reduced exercise capacity and highlight the physiological impact of physical activity on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems in PH patients.